Are pregnant and lactating women and their infants protected with the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines?

Yes, according to the results of a prospective cohort study that included 131 women, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines produce an antibody response in pregnant and lactating women that is comparable to that in non pregnant women and superior to the antibody response to natural SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, antibodies are present in both the umbilical cord blood and breast milk of vaccinated patients, supporting the transfer of immunity to the fetus and infant. Finally, there were no significant differences in vaccine adverse effects.

All things considered, the decision to accept the COVID-19 vaccine or not ultimately belongs to the patient. Given disease prevalence and the latest information on vaccine safety in pregnancy, I have been advising my patients in the second trimester or beyond to receive the vaccine with the caveat that delaying the vaccine until the postpartum period is a completely valid alternative. The most important gift we can offer our patients is to arm them with the necessary information so that they can make the choice best for them and their family as we continue to fight this war on COVID-19.

OBG Manag. 2021 May;33(5):24-25 | doi: 10.12788/obgm.0098